How I Get Things Done

Very often people ask how I find the time to write all the articles for the blog. At the minute I’m posting articles 3 times a week, so it is quite a lot. Although I enjoy writing, it does take a certain amount of self-discipline. If you subscribe to the weekly newsletter, then you’ll know I’m in the middle of compiling another recipe book, with the launch date as 30th March. Along with a little side business and 3 children under 7 years old, I have to say life is busy. Many of you know what it’s like to juggle work, family and serious responsibilities, so I know you empathise with me.

Although all our situations differ, there are common factors that bind many of us. Feeling stretched thin, overwhelmed, under pressure and tired. Not all the time, but sometimes these feeling can get the better of us. Failure and guilt so often dominate our thoughts. There are certain things I do to help productivity, maybe some of these will help you too.

Set realistic expectations for yourself. You cannot be all things to all people. Some areas of your life will be messy during certain seasons, and the sooner you learn to accept that the happier you will be. For example, at the minute I’m on a tight deadline with this recipe book, as a consequence I haven’t been fussy over cleaning the house as often as normal. Not that it’s terribly dirty, but just messier than normal. I have accepted that this is just a temporary season in life and this time next month things will be more settled. If you allow what other people think of you to the drive your decisions, then you’ll be stuck a in miserable rut of people-pleasing for your entire life. Every season has it’s challenges, learn to adjust and adapt.

Prioritise. A to-do list bigger than 7 items in one day is too long. Start with the most difficult tasks, to get them out of the way. ‘Slay your dragons’ early in the day, and you know the most challenging tasks are behind you. For me, this is normally, preparing dinner or doing the ‘tech stuff’ on the blog, like filling in the SEO boxes on new articles (listen to me sounding all technical – it’s ironic given my very real limitations with technology lol). If I know this sort of work is done early on, I can enjoy doing the other items on my list, like writing up the cookies recipe.

Accept the fact that you WILL NOT GET EVERYTHING DONE. I know the title to this article is a bit misleading. Perhaps you thought I was going to share some magic formula for doing everything that is required of you. Let’s be real for second. The expression ‘I’m never done’ has significance. There are always things left that we could do, or want to do. But there are limitations on our time, bodies and minds. Feel proud of what you’ve accomplished today. If you have truly prioritised your tasks, you will achieve the most important goals for your day. Make peace with the unfinished jobs, and look forward to tomorrow.

That’s all I have to share for today. I’m off to the kitchen to work on my ‘eggy breakfast muffins’. Then I think a little relaxation time is due this evening 🙂 Have a great weekend everyone!